‘It is permissible to fight the Khawaarij if they attack the wealth of the Muslims, or the Muslims and their families, but if they are dispersed, then the Muslim Ruler is not to seek after them, nor are their wounded to be killed, nor is booty taken from them, nor may those taken captive be killed, nor are those who flee to be pursued.’

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘It is permissible to fight the Khawaarij if they attack the wealth of the Muslims, or the Muslims and their families;’ because the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) commanded that they are to be fought, and because Ali (radiyallaahu-anhu) fought them when they attacked and killed Abdullaah Ibn Khabbaab al Arrat and ripped open the stomach of his pregnant wife. So Ameerul Mumineen Ali (radiyallaahu-anhu) decided to fight them as they brought about a good reason to be fought against.

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘But if they are dispersed, then the Muslim leader is not to seek after them’ If they desist from fighting, the ruler is not to chase them, nor carry out a military expedition against them, as long as they do not commit acts of transgression. And no doubt they are misguided and are to be advised in hope that they may return (repentant) and are not fought.

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘Nor are their wounded to be killed’; because the evil of the injured person is curtailed.

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘Nor is booty to be taken from them’, meaning: their wealth is not to be taken as war booty; because it is the wealth of the Muslims.

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘Nor may those taken captive be killed’ because they are Muslims, and by being injured and taken as captive their evil is curtailed.

And regarding the saying of Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah): ‘Nor are those who flee to be pursued’. If they flee, the leader is to leave them alone and not go after them as their evil is curtailed.